Palmerston North City Council District Plan
May 2006
Section 9: Rural Zone
Table of Contents
9.1
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 9-3
9.2
Resource Management Issues ........................................................................................... 9-3
9.3
Objectives and Policies ...................................................................................................... 9-4
Objective 1 ........................................................................................................................................... 9-4
Policies ................................................................................................................................................ 9-5
Objective 2 ........................................................................................................................................... 9-5
Policies ................................................................................................................................................. 9-5
Objective 3 ........................................................................................................................................... 9-6
Policies ................................................................................................................................................. 9-6
Objective 4 ........................................................................................................................................... 9-6
Policies ................................................................................................................................................. 9-6
Objective 5 ........................................................................................................................................... 9-7
Objective 6 ........................................................................................................................................... 9-7
Policies ................................................................................................................................................. 9-7
Objective 7 .......................................................................................................................................... X-X
Policies ................................................................................................................................................ X-X
Objective 8 .......................................................................................................................................... X-X
Policies ................................................................................................................................................ X-X
Objective 9 .......................................................................................................................................... X-X
Policies ................................................................................................................................................ X-X
9.4
Methods ................................................................................................................................ 9-7
9.5
Environmental Outcomes Anticipated .............................................................................. 9-8
9.6
Rules : Permitted Activities ................................................................................................ 9-8
R 9.6.1
R 9.6.2
R 9.6.3
R 9.6.4
R 9.6.5
R 9.6.6
R 9.6.7
R 9.6.8
9.7
Rules : Controlled Activities ............................................................................................ 9-18
R 9.7.1
R 9.7.2
R 9.7.3
R 9.7.4
R 9.7.5
R 9.7.6
9.8
Permitted Activities ........................................................................................................... 9-8
Production Forestry ........................................................................................................ 9-10
Home Occupations (without retailing from the site) .................................................... 9-11
Effluent Ponds for On-Farm Waste Disposal ................................................................ 9-13
Dwellings and Accessory Buildings (excluding those prohibited by R 9.11.1) ......... 9-14
Existing Industries .......................................................................................................... 9-16
Tielcey Park Equestrian Complex .................................................................................. 9-17
Minor and Extended Temporary Military Training Activities ....................................... 9-18
Controlled Activities........................................................................................................ 9-18
Education and Early Childhood Facilities (excluding those Prohibited by R 9.11.1)
where Access is not from a State Highway, Limited Access Road, Old West Road
or the Pahiatua Track ...................................................................................................... 9-20
Relocated Dwellings (excluding those prohibited by R 9.11.1) ................................... 9-21
Dependent Dwelling Units (excluding those prohibited by R 9.11.1) .......................... 9-22
Expansion of Existing Industries ................................................................................... 9-23
Minor and Extended Temporary Military Training Activities which do not comply
with Performance Standards .......................................................................................... 9-24
Rules : Restricted Discretionary Activities .................................................................... 9-24
R 9.8.1
R 9.8.2
R 9.8.3
Dwellings and Accessory Buildings not complying with Permitted Activity
Performance Standardss (excluding Performance Standards
R 9.6.5 (b)(i)(c) and (h) and those prohibited by R 9.11.1) ........................................... 9-24
Home Occupations not complying with Permitted Activity Performance
Standards ......................................................................................................................... 9-25
Roadside Stalls, Garden Centres and Nurseries, Education Facilities and Early
Childhood Facilities with access to a State Highway, Limited Access Road,
Old West Road or The Pahiatua Track ........................................................................... 9-25
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
R 9.8.4
9.9
Domestic Wind Turbines ............................................................................................... X-XX
Rules : Discretionary Activities ....................................................................................... 9-26
R 9.9.1
R 9.9.2
R 9.9.3
R 9.9.4
Intensive Farming, Veterinary Clinics and Animal Boarding Establishments ........... 9-26
Sawmills and Rural Industries ....................................................................................... 9-27
Quarrying, Including the removal of sand, shingle, soil or other material ................. 9-27
Community and Leisure Facilities and Tourist Facilities (excluding those prohibited
by R 9.11.1) ...................................................................................................................... 9-28
R 9.9.5
Alterations and Additions to Existing Buildings in the AirNoise Zone Identified on
Map 10.7.6.3 ..................................................................................................................... 9-29
Wind Farms ..................................................................................................................... X-XX
New Dwellings and Accessory Buildings, Dependent Dwelling Units, Relocated
Dwellings, Education and Early Childhood Facilities located within 1.5 km
of a wind turbine, which is part of an existing Wind Farm ........................................ X-XX
R.9.9.6
R 9.9.7
9.10
May 2006
Rules : Non-Complying Activities ................................................................................... 9-29
R 9.10.1 Other Activities .................................................................................................................. 9-29
R 9.10.2 Non-Complying Activities in the Inner and Outer Control Zone .................................... 9-29
R 9.10.3 Wind Farms which do not comply with the Discretionary Activity Performance
Standards ........................................................................................................................ X-XX
9.11
Rules : Prohibited Activities ............................................................................................ 9-30
R 9.11.1 Prohibited Activities in the Air Noise Zone identified on Map 10.7.6.3 ......................... 9-30
9.12
Rules : Noise ...................................................................................................................... 9-30
R 9.12.1 Noise ................................................................................................................................... 9-30
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
9.
RURAL ZONE
9.1
Introduction
May 2006
The land in the Rural Zone is quite varied, ranging from flat areas on both sides of the
Manawatu River, through to the rolling land of the foothills of the Tararuas, to the actual
Tararua Ranges themselves. The dominance of the Tararua Ranges in particular and the very
settled rural land at its edges, provides an attractive visual backdrop for the urban area of
Palmerston North.
The visual amenity that rural land offers to the urban part of the City, while beneficial, should
not obscure the importance of the land as the basis of a diverse range of economic activity.
This working part of the rural community includes agriculture which ranges from horticulture
through dairying, sheep, cattle raising to arable farming. Generally horticulture is confined to
quite limited areas, mainly in the Staces Road and Te Matai Road areas, where orcharding,
market gardening and plant production predominate. Elsewhere there are other soils which
are capable of sustaining various types of horticulture, and while some are being used for this
purpose, others merely provide a high quality part of another land use. Generally within the
City, except for market gardening and nursery plant production, there are not enough growers
to ensure the necessary infrastructure such as packing houses etc, to encourage horticulture,
on a large scale. The climate itself also provides another limitation. For anyone choosing to
set up a horticultural activity, there are probably better sites in adjoining areas both in the
Manawatu District Council and Horowhenua District Council areas.
Much of the rural land in the City consists of productive farms, which can generally be
expected to continue to operate in the foreseeable future. It is important that the District Plan
recognises this and the particular resource management issues which face farmers. Forestry
is a relatively small scale rural land use, with only two substantial areas of commercial scale
production forestry on Forest Hill Road and Scotts Road. However forestry is often
undertaken in concert with agriculture and there is significant on-going interest in smaller farm
wood-lots.
There has also always been a significant number of people who choose to live in the country,
some in small settlements such as Linton and others on small rural blocks, some of whom
undertake at least some part-time rural activity. Rural-residential dwellers are often attracted
to rural areas by the perceived quality of the rural environment, particularly its amenity values.
Others choose to live in the country as this is where their work is located, or because they
were previously employed in the rural area.
In addition the rural area also accommodates a small range of industrial activities being either
service industries such as C-Dax which manufactures agricultural equipment or industries
based on a natural resource such as gravel. Massey University and a range of Crown
Research Institutes (CRIs) are also located within the rural area, as is the NZ Army.
Overall the rural area represents a patchwork of activities, some of which are not always
compatible with each other, or which produce environmental effects which must, as far as
possible, be mitigated.
9.2
Resource Management Issues
The following resource management issues were identified within the Rural Zone.
1.
The effects of urban growth and the possible intrusion of urban development into rural
areas, resulting in the loss of productive land and disruption to rural communities.
2.
The maintenance and encouragement of sustainable agricultural enterprises, which
make efficient use of the productive land resource.
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
May 2006
3.
The provision for rural-residential development, which avoids remedies or mitigates any
adverse effects on the efficient use of resources and on rural environmental and amenity
values.
4.
The potential adverse effects of forestry development and forest harvesting.
5.
The amenity values contained within the area, particularly in terms of landscape values
and areas of high natural qualities.
6.
The need to provide for a range of non-agricultural uses within the rural area to provide
for the social and economic well-being of rural dwellers.
7.
The potential for, or existence of, incompatibility between different rural activities, due to
the impact of adverse environmental effects.
8.
Recognition of the need to provide for community and leisure activities in rural areas, in
a way that avoids adverse environmental effects.
9.
The need to provide for a range of new activities which make use of rural resources and
which are compatible with the amenity values of the rural area and avoid the creation of
adverse effects.
10.
Recognition of the potential for rural activities to adversely affect urban activities,
particularly residential activities, at the rural/urban interface.
11.
The need to protect noise sensitive activities within the vicinity of the Palmerston North
Airport so as to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects associated with airport noise
and to sustain the potential capacity of the Airport to meet reasonably foreseeable air
transport needs, and to ensure that the efficient operations of the Airport can continue.
12.
Recognition of the importance of the Tararua Ranges as a significant wind energy
resource for renewable energy developments, particularly Wind Farms, and potential for
these activities to limit the use and development of rural land in close vicinity.
13.
Recognition of the benefits of renewable energy generation activities, both commercial
and domestic scales, in terms of mitigating the impact of climate change and the need to
provide for renewable energy development in a way that avoids or mitigates adverse
effects.
14.
The need to protect Windfarms from reverse sensitivity effects associated with noise
sensitive activities establishing in the surrounding rural environment.
15.
The effect on landscape values from the investigation, establishment, construction,
operation, maintenance and upgrading of renewable electricity generation activities.
16.
The protection of the ‘Skyline of the Tararua Ranges’ and the ‘Manawatu Gorge’ as
Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes, from inappropriate use and
development.
17.
The need to avoid significant adverse cumulative effects on the values and
characteristics of the ’Skyline of the Tararua Ranges’ and the ‘Manawatu Gorge’
Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes.
Explanation
Until 1989, Palmerston North was basically an urban centre with very little rural land. Following local
body reform in 1989, the new Palmerston North City Council was formed which included a relatively
large area of rural land much of which is in productive agricultural use. A number of identified resource
management issues relate to concerns that much of the productive rural land resource will rapidly be
converted to urban land resulting in the disruption to rural communities, and to the ability of land owners
to carry out their farming operations, and the loss of productive land. The City’s growth path has been
determined for the next 15 years, and lies within land formally controlled by the City. This growth path is
shown on Map 9.1.
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
May 2006
Thus in at least the medium term the City’s rural land will continue to be farmed and there are a range of
issues which are related to how that rural land resource might be used productively and sustainably.
Equally there was also the identification of a number of effects which can arise from agricultural and
other rural land uses which have the potential to create adverse impacts. The issue is then to provide
for a range of activities in the rural area while controlling the effects of those activities and ensuring they
remain compatible with each other.
9.3
Objectives and Policies
Within the broad framework of the City View objectives in section 2, the following specific
objectives and policies have been identified for the Rural Zone:
Objective 1
To protect rural land from the adverse effects of unnecessary and unplanned urban
expansion.
Policies
1.1
To protect the urban growth path for the City identified in Map 9.1.
1.2
To ensure, as far as possible, that existing urban land is fully utilised before the rural
land contained within the identified urban growth path is released for urban purposes.
1.3
To ensure that the urban conversion of the land contained within the identified urban
growth path proceeds in an orderly manner.
1.4
To avoid, where possible, the fragmentation of land contained within the identified urban
growth path into small blocks.
Explanation
It is important that future urban expansion within the City is carefully managed in order to ensure that the
indiscriminate conversion of productive agricultural land for urban purposes is avoided.
By identifying on Map 9.1 an urban growth path for the City, the Council is signalling how it will address,
in part, the City’s anticipated growth requirements over the next 10 to 15 year time horizon, and its
desire to see the balance of the high quality rural land within the City retained for productive purposes.
To facilitate the efficient urban conversion of land situated within the growth path, the Council considers
that further fragmentation of these land holdings into smaller rural-residential blocks should be avoided.
Additionally, the Council will also endeavour to ensure that existing land identified for urban purposes in
the Kelvin Grove and Aokautere areas is utilised to its fullest extent prior to any land situated in the
growth path being released for urban purposes.
Objective 2
To encourage the effective and efficient use and development of the natural and
physical resources of the rural area.
Policies
2.1
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of activities on land of high productive
capability.
2.2
To ensure that the adverse effects of activities in the rural area are avoided, remedied or
mitigated such that the amenities of the area and nearby urban areas are maintained.
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2.3
To control the actual or potential environmentally adverse effects of activities in the rural
area, including the adverse effects of:

odour;

noise;

traffic;

visual impact.
2.4
To encourage the maintenance of sustainable land-uses in the rural area.
2.5
To identify areas subject to natural hazards, and to ensure the adverse effects of the
natural hazard are avoided, remedied or mitigated and, where appropriate, prohibit use
and development of hazard prone areas.
Explanation
It is important that rural land continues to be used in a way which ensures that the productive potential of
the land is maintained in a sustainable manner. However, the wide range of activities which occur in the
rural area can produce a range of adverse effects which must be addressed if there are not to be
negative effects on the rural environment.
In the case of natural hazards, the hazard must be identified and appropriate action taken to avoid or
control its effects. In some cases this could mean prohibiting the activity altogether, or limiting its scope
by imposing conditions. Other sections of the District Plan deal more directly with natural hazards.
These include Section 22 - Natural Hazards, which includes matters relating to seismic, flood, and land
stability hazards. In addition, the District Plan identifies a Flood Protection Zone, ponding areas where
minimum floor levels apply and a Cliff Protection Area where building is prohibited.
Objective 3
To enhance the quality and natural character of the rural environment.
Policies
3.1
To provide for the health and safety of rural dwellers by establishing specific noise limits
for the rural area.
3.2
To encourage the adoption of sustainable land use practices.
3.3
To control the adverse visual effects on the rural environment (including effects on rural
dwellers) of activities that disturb the land surface, introduce buildings, remove and/or
process natural material.
3.4
To encourage the protection of the in-stream values of spawning rivers and streams.
Explanation
The rural environment has a range of unique qualities which are valued by rural dwellers and those who
view or travel through those areas. It is important that the amenity values and general ambience of the
rural environment is protected from any adverse effects on them.
The Kahuterawa and Turitea Streams are classified Class F Water (being water for fishery purposes) in
the Proposed Manawatu Catchment Water Quality Plan. This is because of their importance as brown
trout spawning and rearing streams. Any activity within the floodplain of these streams that may affect
these values may require a resource consent from either the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council or
the Palmerston North City Council.
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
May 2006
Objective 4
To recognise and enhance the diversity of the rural community.
Policies
4.1
To permit a variety of land-based activities subject to control of their adverse
environmental effects.
4.2
To provide for community and leisure facilities to serve rural and urban communities.
4.3
To allow a range of other activities where their adverse effects can be avoided or
mitigated.
Explanation
While much of the rural area is devoted to large scale rural land uses such as farming and forestry, there
are a wide variety of other activities which contribute to the maintenance of land and the diversity of the
rural community. These other activities include small engineering works, schools, community halls,
recreational activities, home occupations, veterinary clinics, animal boarding establishments, roadside
stalls, and garden centres.
While these activities are valuable parts of the rural community, and which often also serve urban
communities, it is important that there are controls over any adverse environmental effects which they
may produce. However, the existence of these activities also helps to make the rural community a
sustainable community, in that it avoids extended energy inefficient journeys to use the business,
recreational and leisure facilities which are provided in the urban area.
Objective 5
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of aircraft noise on noise sensitive
activities in the vicinity of the Palmerston North Airport.
Objective 6
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the potential adverse effects of noise sensitive activities in
the vicinity of Palmerston North Airport on efficient aircraft operations.
Policies
5.1
To prohibit any new dwelling, school, hospital or other building to be used for regular living
accommodation in the Air Noise Zone.
5.2
To mitigate the adverse effects of aircraft noise on any new dwelling, school, hospital or
other building to be used for regular living accommodation in the Inner and Outer Control
Zones.
5.3
To require every application for a resource consent lodged within the Inner and Outer
Control Zones to be accompanied by details of the method of construction for the purpose
of noise attenuation, and sufficient information to satisfy Council that this method will
achieve the requisite insulation rating.
Explanation
The operations of a modern airport give rise to a range of sound emissions relating mainly to aircraft
operations. These sound emissions may have an adverse effect on surrounding noise sensitive
activities such as the inhabitants of dwellings.
In order to protect potential occupiers of land situated within the vicinity of the Airport from levels of noise
that may be incompatible with normal standards of rural amenity, Council has introduced controls to
mitigate the adverse effects of operational aircraft noise on noise sensitive activities in the Rural Zone.
These controls also have the effect of protecting the operation of the airport from noise sensitive
activities to allow it to function efficiently, effectively, and safely.
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
May 2006
To ensure that responsibility for mitigation of operational aircraft noise is not borne solely by affected
rural property owners, Council has also introduced specific noise mitigation measures to control
operational activities within the Airport Zone. Please refer to Rule 20.4.9.1 Sound Emissions in the
Airport Zone.
Objective 7
To recognise the ‘Skyline of the Tararua Ranges’ and the ‘Manawatu Gorge’ as
Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes and protect them from inappropriate use
and development.
Policies
7.1 To identify the spatial extent of the ‘Skyline of the Tararua Ranges’ and the ‘Manawatu
Gorge’ and define them as the ‘Tararua Ranges Landscape Protection Area’,
7.2 To control land use and development within the ‘Tararua Ranges Landscape Protection
Area’ (Map 9.2) to protect the values and characteristics of the ‘Skyline of the Tararua Ranges’
and the ‘Manawatu Gorge’ Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes.
7.3 To limit further development of renewable energy generation activities which have the
potential to create significant adverse cumulative effects on the ‘Tararua Ranges Landscape
Protection Area’ (Map 9.2).
Explanation
Landscapes are an important issue for the City as they provide identify and a ‘sense of place’. The
Tararua Ranges is the most significant and highly visible landscape within the City, and is subject to
development pressure, particularly from wind farm developments.
Council is required to recognise and provide for the protection of Outstanding Natural Features and
Landscapes from inappropriate subdivision, use and development, as a matter of national importance (s
6(b) of the RMA).
The ‘Skyline of the Tararua Ranges’ and the ‘Manawatu Gorge’ are identified in the Horizons One Plan
as Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes, as having attributes, values, characteristics and
qualities which warrant their protection and appropriate management. A full description of the
Oustanding Natural Features and Landscapes and the evaluation, using the criteria established in the
One Plan, is provided in the report ’Landscape Management Strategy Palmerston North’.
This objective and associated policies gives effect to the RMA and higher order planning instruments by
giving explicit recognition to the landscape significance of the ‘Skyline of the Tararua Ranges’ and the
‘Manawatu Gorge’ within the District Plan.
The visual and landscape values of the ‘Tararua Ranges Landscape Protection Area’ is afforded the
highest level of landscape protection within the District Plan and this provides the basis for regulating the
effects of development. Activities like renewable energy developments which result in changes to the
Outstanding Natural Features will require a rigorous assessment.
Policies 7.2 through 7.3 provide a clear signal to landowners, developers and the community that
subdivision and land development within the ‘Tararua Ranges Landscape Protection Area’, with potential
for visual and landscape effects, may result in a change in consent activity status.
Notes to Plan User:
The ‘Tararua Landscape Protection Area’ is identified in Map 9.2 and on the District Planning
Maps.
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
May 2006
Objective 8
To recognise the benefits of renewable energy development and the contribution of the
City’s renewable energy resources to long term sustainability.Policies
8.1 To provide for the investigation, establishment, construction, operation, maintenance and
upgrade of new and established renewable energy generation facilities.
8.2 To provide for a diverse range and scale of renewable electricity generation activities.
8.3 To protect renewable electricity generation activities from reverse sensitivity effects
arising from the establishment of noise sensitive activities in close proximity to existing
renewable energy generation facilities.
8.4 To provide for domestic wind turbines having minor effects.
Explanation
This objective and associated policies recognise the importance of the development of renewable
energy resources and gives effect to the National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation
Activities (NPS REG) and the Horizon’s One Plan, Policy 3-4. In giving effect to the NPS REG, the
District Plan rules address renewable energy resources to the extent that they are applicable in the
Rural Zone – namely wind, solar and micro-hydro.
Objective 9
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of renewable energy generation
activities on the natural and physical resources of the rural environment.
Policies
9.1 To control the adverse effects of new and existing renewable generation activities.
9.2 To ensure that new, renewable electricity generation activities are designed, located,
constructed and operated to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects on the rural
environment and natural landscape features, in particular significant adverse cumulative
effects of windfarms on the ‘Tararua Ranges Landscape Protection Area’ (Map 9.2).
Explanation
This objective and associated policies recognises that renewable electricity generation activities
(particularly Wind Farms) have the potential to cause significant adverse effects on the environment,
particularly in terms of landscape character and environmental qualities, noise and traffic, views and
rural amenity values. The potential for adverse effects to be generated and the inability of some Wind
Farms to be able to internalise or substantially mitigate some of those effects, means that a Wind Farm
may be inappropriate in some rural locations.
The District Plan provides for Wind Farms as a Discretionary Activity within the Rural Zone, provided
they are located outside of the ‘Tararua Ranges Landscape Protection Area’, shown on Map 9.2. The
Tararua Ranges Landscape Protection Area comprises the ‘Skyline of the Tararua Ranges’ and the
‘Manawatu Gorge’ which are both identified in the One Plan as Outstanding Natural Features and
Landscapes in the region and worthy of a high level of protection and conservation from development
and the effects of development. The special values and characteristics associated with the Outstanding
Natural Features and Landscapes are listed in Schedule F, Table F1 of the One Plan (and appended in
Appendix 9.1). The Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes are further described in a report
’Landscape Management Palmerston North City’ (2012).
The Discretionary Activity consent category allows Council to either decline an application, or grant
consent and impose conditions in order to avoid or mitigate adverse effects on the environment. The
Discretionary Activity rule includes specific assessment criteria to guide Council’s consideration of
applications for a Wind Farm and they will be subject to a full and rigorous assessment.
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
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The topography and geographical layout of the City means that any Wind Farm on the Tararua Ranges
will potentially be visually prominent throughout large parts of the City. Accordingly, an application for a
Wind Farm resource consent will need to include an assessment of the visual impact of the Wind Farm
on the rural landscape and specifically the ‘Tararua Ranges Landscape Protection Area’.
The adverse effects associated with noise and shadow flicker may not be able to be mitigated at a
distance of less than 700 m from the closest wind turbine to an adjoining site boundary. The status of
Wind Farms as a Discretionary Activity reflects this, by requiring a separation distance of 700 m from
adjacent boundaries with properties that do not form part of a wind farm site. Where the 700m
separation distance is not met, it is less likely that significant adverse effects will be able to be
appropriately avoided or mitigated, and a Non–Complying Activity consent category reflects this.
Windfarms that do not meet the separation distance Performance Standards and exclusion from the
‘Tararua Ranges Landscape Protection Area’ will be considered as Non-Complying Activities.
9.4
Methods

District Plan Rules (Palmerston North City Council) and planning maps

Provision of information

Public Education

Designation
A number of the objectives and policies stated in this section will be achieved in an effective
and relatively inexpensive manner through the rules in this and other sections of the Plan.
Equally in many cases, public education on how to avoid adverse effects, through explanatory
brochures and the like, can achieve the objectives and policies in a cost-efficient and effective
manner.
Also the provision of information through statutory and non-statutory documents can assist
resource users. This is particularly important in regard to the relative roles of ManawatuWanganui Regional Council and the Palmerston North City Council in achieving integrated
management of land, water and soil resources in the rural area. The District Plan does not
control activities in the beds of rivers and lakes or discharges of contaminants into the
environment (land, air or water). The control of these activities is the responsibility of
Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council Activities in the rural area that involve the beds of
rivers and lakes, discharges of contaminants into the environment, soil disturbance and
vegetation clearance on land vulnerable to erosion may need the consent of ManawatuWanganui Regional Council
In respect of any land severely affected by airport noise, one of the options available is for the
Requiring Authority to designate land for airport purposes (and subsequently purchase it) or to
simply purchase land without designation. Palmerston North Airport Limited was granted
requiring authority status in July 1995 however, to date the Company has not exercised its
designating power.
9.5
Environmental Outcomes Anticipated
It is anticipated that the objectives, policies and methods of this section will achieve the
following results:

Creation of an effective and environmentally sensitive system of rural land use
management.

Encouragement of diversity in the use of the natural and physical resources of the rural
area.
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
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
Managed urban expansion which avoids the adverse effects of inappropriate or premature
use of productive rural land.

The avoiding, remedying or mitigating of the adverse effects of activities on the rural
environment.

Establishment of activities which contribute to the diversity and enhancement of the
amenity values of the rural environment.

Opportunities for people to pursue a diversity of rural lifestyles and to use and develop the
natural and physical resources of the rural area.

Avoidance, mitigation or remediation of the adverse effects of aircraft noise on noise
sensitive activities in the Rural Zone.

Avoidance, mitigation or remediation of the adverse effects of noise sensitive activities in
the Rural Zone on the efficient operation of the Palmerston North Airport.
9.6
Rules : Permitted Activities

R 9.6.1 Permitted Activities
The following activities are Permitted Activities provided they comply with the specified
Performance Standards:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Farming, excluding intensive farming;
Horticulture;
Soil conservation and rivers control works carried out or supervised by the
Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council or the Palmerston North City Council;
The farm-based teaching and research activities of Massey University, and other
individuals and/or organisations associated with the University;
Roads.
Performance Standards
(a)
Separation Distances
(i)
Buildings housing poultry or pigs; also silage pits and piles must be located at a
minimum of:

50 metres from any residentially zoned property.

50 metres from any residentially used building on any adjoining property.

20 metres from any public road, river or property boundary other than a boundary with
any residentially zoned property.
(b)
Access and Loading
Compliance with Rules:
20.3.8.1 Loading Space Standards;
20.3.9.1 Access Standards.
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
(c)
May 2006
Cultural and Natural Heritage
Compliance with the provisions of Section 17 - Cultural and Natural Heritage.
(d)
Hazardous Substances
Compliance with the provisions of Section 14 - Hazardous Substances.
(e)
Signs
Compliance with Rule 6.1.5.1
(f)
Height
Any buildings or structures shall comply, in terms of height, with R 20.4.10.1.
Explanation
This group of activities includes activities which are either the predominant rural activities, eg farming, or
those which have minor effects, eg soil conservation works. As such, the effects of these activities are
well identified and the performance standards attempt to mitigate effects which are likely to be
unacceptable to the rural community or which will have an adverse effect on the environment - for
instance the smell and general aversion to the effects of the concentration of even small numbers of pigs
or poultry. The separation distances are intended to ensure that buildings housing animals are kept
away from dwellings to reduce such impacts. Further separation distances are provided for in respect of
on-site effluent disposal under Rule 9.6.4.
Note to Plan Users: Also refer to Rule 23.7.1 – Radiofrequency Field Exposure

R 9.6.2 Production Forestry
Production Forestry is a Permitted Activity provided it complies with the following
Performance Standards.
Performance Standards
(a)
Planting Notice
Prior to planting commencing, information shall be supplied to the Council on the following:
(i)
The number of hectares to be planted.
(ii)
The species to be planted.
(iii)
The sequence of planting.
(iv)
The legal description and location of the site or sites to be planted.
(v)
The sources and location of water supplies for fire-fighting purposes.
(vi)
The intended crossing places and local road to be used in the management of the
forest.
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
(b)
May 2006
Separation Distances
Production Forest plantings must not come within:

5 metres of an adjoining property boundary under a separate Certificate of Title; or

20 metres from the Turitea Stream, Kahuterawa River, or the unnamed tributary of the
Turitea Stream (confluence at NZMS 260 T24 357827); or

Any area which could result in shading of a road between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on the
shortest day of the year.
(c)
Proposed Harvesting Notice
At least one month prior to harvesting commencing, information shall be supplied to the
Council on the following:
(i)
The sequence of felling and the routes to be used to remove timber.
(ii)
The methods of extraction to be used.
(iii)
The access points and roads to be used by logging vehicles.
(d)
Access and Loading
Compliance with Rules:
20.3.8.1 Loading Space Standards;
20.3.9.1 Access Standards.
(e)
Duration of Occupation
Any portable sawmill used on a site must not operate for longer than six consecutive months,
within any calendar year.
(f)
Cultural and Natural Heritage
Compliance with the provisions of Section 17 - Cultural and Natural Heritage.
(g)
Signs
Compliance with Rule 6.1.5.1
Explanation
Production forestry naturally involves the planting of trees and many years later the harvesting of those
trees. In terms of the planting of the trees the main effects stem from the potential to cause icing of
roads, overshadowing of adjacent properties as trees mature or to create a fire risk if care is not
exercised in the way the forest is planted. The sheer bulk of trees planted at productive forestry stocking
rates can lead to a feeling of oppression by adjoining landowners particularly if the forest is adjacent to a
house site. Hence the provision for a range of separation distances. Information collected through the
Planting Notice also provides a useful information base to assess the effects of the on-going
development of forestry within the City, and to ensure there is early identification of any actual or
potential adverse effects.
At the time of harvest there is potentially the greatest chance of the emergence of adverse
environmental effects. These, however, mainly relate to soil and water effects which are the appropriate
concern of the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council. Activities in the beds of rivers are restricted
under Section 13 of the Act and will require a resource consent, unless permitted in the Regional Plan.
Vegetation clearance (which includes forest harvesting) or soil disturbance will require a land use
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
May 2006
consent from the Regional Council on land vulnerable to erosion. In terms of the Palmerston North City
Council, the primary concern arises from traffic-related effects, hence the requirement for information on
the way harvesting is to be undertaken and the access requirements. Provision has been made to allow
for limited milling operations to occur on the site, provided that this does not give rise to a permanent
sawmilling operation on the site.

R 9.6.3 Home Occupations (without retailing from the site)
For provisions relating Home Occupations with retailing from the site, refer to Rule 9.7.1.
Home Occupations (without retailing from the site) are a Permitted Activity provided
they comply with the following Performance Standards.
Performance Standards
(a)
Number of Employees
In addition to any person or persons living on the site, no more than two external full time
employees shall work on the site.
(b)
Floor Area
The gross floor area of the principal or accessory building used by a Home Occupation shall
not exceed 100 m2.
(c)
Dust
Any activity involved as a home occupation shall not generate or discharge levels of dust (or
other particulate matter) that is deemed to be offensive and/or objectionable and causes
potential adverse effects on the surrounding environment. A potential adverse effect, arising
from the discharge of particulate matter, will occur if:
(i)
there is visible evidence of particulate matter suspended in the air across a site
boundary; and/or
(ii)
there is visible evidence of particulate matter, traceable from the activity, settling on the
ground or structure on a neighbouring site, or water.
(d)
Hours of Operation
Home Occupations may operate only between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm.
(e)
Signs
Compliance with Rule 6.1.5.1.
(f)
Lighting
Any artificial lighting system shall ensure that its use does not result in added illuminance over
and above the measured ambient level, in excess of 8 lux measured in the vertical plane at
the windows of any building used for residential purposes on another site.
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
(g)
May 2006
Access and Loading
Compliance with Rules:
20.3.8.1 Loading Space Standard;
20.3.9.1 Access Standard.
(h)
Parking
(i)
Compliance with Rules:
20.3.7.2 Parking Provision For All Zones Except for the Inner Business Zone;
20.3.7.7 Formation of Parking Spaces.
(ii)
Any parking associated with the Home Occupation must be located on the site.
(i)
Hazardous Substances
Compliance with the provisions of Section 14 - Hazardous Substances
(j)
Cultural and Natural Heritage
Compliance with the provisions of Section 17 - Cultural and Natural Heritage.
(k)
Noise
Compliance with Rule 9.12.1.
Explanation
Home Occupations provide the opportunity for rural people to develop employment opportunities based
at their home. The major concern is to ensure that the activity does not create unacceptable or
unexpected effects on the rural environment. This is partly achieved by limiting the number of people
who live off the site who may work in the business, to ensure that the activity and its effects remain small
and compatible with the character of the rural area. The other performance standards address specific
effects such as parking.

R 9.6.4 Effluent Ponds for On-Farm Waste Disposal
Effluent Ponds for On-Farm Waste Disposal are a Permitted Activity provided that the
following Performance Standards are complied with.
Performance Standards
(a)
Separation Distances
Non Piggery Effluent
From any boundary:
60 metres
From any residentially-used
building on an adjoining site:
150 metres
From any Residential Zone:
1600 metres
From any marae, public building,
church, school or recreation area:
200 metres
Piggery Effluent — as per Table 9.1
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
Table 9.1
May 2006
PIGGERY EFFLUENT
Buffer zone distance from Land Spreading
and Treatment Ponds
Description
type of system
Minimum Distance in metres
Land
Land
Subsoil Injection Spreading [i]
Spreading
Aerobic Lagoon
(anaerobic
[ii]
lagoon)
From a Residential Zone
From a Rural-Residential Area,
Marae, Public Hall, Church,
School, Recreation Area
From an isolated rural residence
1500
2000
500
500
1000
200
250
500
150
[i]
[ii]
(b)
Effluent for surface spreading, stored anaerobically for less than 48 hours
Effluent for surface spreading, stored anaerobically without treatment for more than 48
hours
Screening
All ponds must be fenced, and screened from any residentially used building on an adjacent
site to which the ponds are visible, by screen planting of vegetation capable of growing to
1.8 m in height, or a solid board fence of not less than 1.8 m in height.
(c)
Cultural and Natural Heritage
Compliance with the rules of Section 17 - Cultural and Natural Heritage.
Explanation
Effluent ponds are an essential element of rural land use, and when well-constructed and located, offer
an environmentally acceptable means of on-site disposal of farm waste. However, there are a number
of potential negative effects, which are controlled by the performance standards. Any discharge of
effluent from an effluent pond to water or land requires a resource consent from the ManawatuWanganui Regional Council in accordance with the Manawatu Catchment Water Quality Regional Plan.
However, the Manawatu Catchment Water Quality Regional Plan does not require a consent for the
effluent pond itself.

R 9.6.5 Dwellings and Accessory Buildings (excluding those prohibited by
R 9.11.1)
Dwellings and Accessory Buildings are Permitted Activities provided the following
Performance Standards are complied with.
Performance Standards
(a)
Site Size
The net site must consist of a contiguous area of not less than:
(i)
3500 m2 of land in the Aokautere Rural-Residential area.
(ii)
1 ha in all other areas.
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
May 2006
(b)
Separation Distances
(i)
Any residential building shall be located not less than:
(a)
10 metres from a front boundary;
(b)
5 metres from any other boundary;
(c)
1.5 km from the location of a wind turbine on a site for which a Wind Farm
resource consent has been granted.
(ii)
Accessory buildings housing or intended to house animals shall be located not less than
10 metres from a boundary.
(iii)
Accessory buildings not intended to house animals shall be located not less than 3
metres from a boundary.
(c)
Height
(i)
Dwellings and Accessory Buildings - maximum height of 9 metres; and
(ii)
Any buildings or structures shall comply, in terms of height, with R 20.4.10.1
(d)
Access
Compliance with Rule 20.3.9.1 Access Standards
(e)
Numbers
(i)
On sites of 20 ha or less:
One dwelling plus one dependent dwelling unit for which a resource consent must be
obtained.
(ii)
On sites over 20 ha:
A maximum of two dwelling units plus one dependent dwelling unit, for which a resource
consent must be obtained.
(f)
Air Noise Control
Compliance with R 10.7.1.1(h).
[NOTE TO PLAN USERS:
Proposals that do not:
1.
Provide the required degree of noise reduction stated in the definitions of Schedules P,
Q and R; or
2.
Obtain certification from an acoustical consultant to provide alternative means of
construction to achieve the degree of noise reduction set out in the definitions of
Schedules P, Q and R;
- are provided for as a Non-Complying Activity under R 9.10.2].
(g)
Cultural and Natural Heritage
Compliance with the rules of Section 17 - Cultural and Natural Heritage.
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
May 2006
Explanation
Dwellings and accessory buildings are clearly an essential feature of the rural area, housing farmers,
others who work in the rural area and rural-residential dwellers. However it is important that new
dwellings be established in a way which ensures that they have the most minimal effects on the
environment and in a way which protects the character of the rural area. It is for this reason that one of
the performance standards is a minimum lot size as this ensures that the “paper town” with its small
urban-sized sections in the Linton and Bunnythorpe areas, do not emerge as an unplanned and
unserviced settlement. There are also requirements for buildings to be separated from roads and
buildings on adjoining sites to ensure that the open nature of the rural area is maintained. Restrictions
on the number of dwellings have been included to ensure that they are used to build dwellings for those
working on the farm rather than as a way of evading the rural-residential provisions. The issue of on-site
effluent disposal is dealt with as part of the building consent process.
The separation distance for dwellings and accessory buildings from a wind turbine is intended to ensure
rural residents are protected from unreasonable noise, sleep disturbance at night and have a reasonable
amenity at locations near a wind farm. It will also avoid reverse sensitivity complaints that might impact
on the efficient and continued operations of Wind Farms. The 1.5 km setback is recognised as the
distance within which a residentially occupied building or other noise sensitive activities, such as early
childhood facilities may experience adverse effects from wind noise generated by a wind turbine.
As the operational noise emitted by aircraft at Palmerston North Airport can be intrusive and disturb
night-time sleep, any new dwelling, and addition or alteration to an existing dwelling, located in the
vicinity of the Airport will be required to provide an appropriate level of noise insulation. In order to
ensure that responsibility for mitigation of this aircraft operational noise does not rest solely with rural
property owners, specific noise mitigation requirements have also been imposed on operational activities
within the Airport Zone (refer to Rule 20.4.9.1).
NOTE TO PLAN USERS:
The provision of Section 36 of the Building Act 1991 will be used in the consideration of any
stability issues when any application is made for a building consent.
Refer Appendix 9.1 for the values and characteristics of the Outstanding Natural Features and
Landscapes, defined as the ‘Tararua Ranges Landscape Protection Area’.
Also refer to Rule 23.7.1 – Radiofrequency Field Exposure

R 9.6.6 Existing Industries
The following existing industries are Permitted Activities provided the following
Performance Standardss are complied with.
Being:
(i)
The pharmaceutical manufacturer known as:
NZ Pharmaceuticals Ltd on Lot 1 DP 54984, Lot 1 DP 33976, Eyre Road, Linton.
(ii)
The contractors depot known as:
W J and R B Ware Limited on Lot 2 DP 62000, Shirriffs Road, Longburn.
(iii)
The agricultural equipment designer and manufacturer known as: C-Dax
Systems Ltd on Lot 1 DP 65373, Harts Road.
(iv)
The civil engineering and contracting business known as: G Blackley Ltd on
Lot 1 DP 15400 and Lot 1 DP 26943, Stoney Creek Road.
(v)
The sawmilling and timber sales yard known as: Tiritea Sawmilling Co Ltd on
Lot 2 DP 23159 and Sec 218 Town of Fitzherbert, Tennant Drive, Linton.
(vi)
The sawmilling and timber sales yards known as: Ashhurst Timber Co Ltd, on
Lot 1 DP 64198, Orrs Road, Aokautere
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
May 2006
Performance Standards
(a)
Nature of the Activity
Any activity undertaken on the site must have been undertaken as at 31 May 1995.
(b)
Hours of Operation
In the case of W J and R B Ware Limited, the hours of operation shall be between 7:00 am
and 7:00 pm Monday to Saturday, with no activity on Sunday.
In the case of New Zealand Pharmaceuticals Limited, the hours of operation shall be 24 hours
a day, seven days a week.
All other industries in this grouping may commence no earlier than 6:00 am and must cease
activity by 10:00 pm (Monday - Saturday) and commence no earlier than 7:00 am and cease
by 4:00 pm on Sundays.
(c)
Parking, Access and Loading
Compliance with Rules:
20.3.7.2 Parking Provision For All Zones Except Inner Business;
20.3.7.7 Formation of Parking Spaces;
20.3.8.1 Loading Space Standards;
20.3.9.1 Access Standards.
(d)
Cultural and Natural Heritage
Compliance with the rules of Section 17 - Cultural and Natural Heritage.
(e) Hazardous Substances
Compliance with the rules of Section 14 - Hazardous Substances.
(f)
Noise
Compliance with Rule 9.12.1
(g)
Signs
Compliance with Rule 6.1.5.1
Explanation
Within the rural area there are a number of long-established industries, the effects of which are largely
compatible with surrounding uses. It is important that these industries continue to exist and provide
services and employment within the rural community, with effective environmental and amenity controls.
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan

May 2006
R 9.6.7 Tielcey Park Equestrian Complex
The Equestrian Complex known as Tielcey Park located on Section 243, Pt Section 245
and Lot 2 DP 3524 Blk XII Kairanga SD, Fitzherbert Road East is a Permitted Activity,
provided the following Performance Standards are complied with.
Performance Standards
(a)
Activities
Any development on the site shall not create an area of more than:
(i)
100 m2 gross floor area of retailing of equestrian equipment;
(ii)
150 m2 gross floor area of facilities for eating.
(b)
Access, Parking and Loading
Compliance with Rules:
20.3.7.2 Parking Provision Standards For All Zones Except Inner Business;
20.3.7.7 Formation of Parking Spaces;
20.3.8.1 Loading Space Standards;
20.3.9.1 Access Standards.
(c)
Cultural and Natural Heritage
Compliance with the rules of Section 17 - Cultural and Natural Heritage.
(d)
Signs
Compliance with Rule 6.1.5.1
(e)
Height
(i)
All Buildings — maximum height of 9 metres; and
(ii)
Any buildings or structures shall comply, in terms of height, with R 20.4.10.1
(f)
Separation Distances
(i)
Any building other than a residential building shall be located at least 10 metres from
any boundary.
(ii)
Any residential building shall comply with Rule 9.6.5(b).
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan

May 2006
R 9.6.8 Minor and Extended Temporary Military Training Activities
Minor and Extended Temporary Military Training Activities are a Permitted Activity,
provided the following Performance Standards are complied with.
Performance Standards
(a)
Buildings and Structures
(i)
Any buildings and/or structures erected must be in compliance with performance
standards (b) and (c) of Rule 9.6.5; and
(ii)
Any buildings erected in associated with the Temporary Military Training Activity must be
removed at the conclusion of the activity unless they are in compliance with Rule 9.6.5.
(b)
Hazardous Substances
Compliance with the requirements of Section 14 - Hazardous Substances of this District Plan.
(c)
Duration and Frequency of Activities
The activity is limited to a period not exceeding 31 days.
Note to Plan Users: Also refer to Rule 23.7.1 – Radiofrequency Field Exposure
Explanation
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) carries out temporary military training activities in areas not
designated for defence purposes. Such temporary training involves military activities by regular and
territorial force units in zones throughout Palmerston North City. The Defence Act 1990 provides for the
raising and maintenance of armed forces. Military training activities are essential in enabling the NZDF
to maintain operational capability. The above performance standards have been designed to enable the
NZDF to carry out temporary military training activities while ensuring that any adverse effects of training
activities on the environment are mitigated.
9.7
Rules : Controlled Activities

R 9.7.1 Controlled Activities
Garden Centres, Home Occupations with retailing from the site, Nurseries and
Roadside Stalls where access is not from a State Highway, a Limited Access Road, Old
West Road or the Pahiatua Track and complies with the following Performance
Standards are Controlled Activities in respect of:

The Safe and Efficient Operation of the Roading Network
Performance Standards
(i)
Separation Distances
(a)
(b)
Any vending point must be located at least 30 m from the front boundary of the property.
Any building must be located at least 20 m from any residentially used property.
(ii)
Signs
Compliance with Rule 6.1.5.1
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
(iii)
May 2006
Parking and Access
Compliance with Rules:
20.3.7.2 Parking Provision for All Zones Except Inner Business Zone;
20.3.7.6 Car Park Landscape Design;
20.3.7.7 Formation of Parking Spaces;
20.3.8.1 Loading Space Standards;
20.3.9.1 Access Standards.
(iv)
Height
(i)
All buildings — maximum height of 9 metres; and
(ii)
Any buildings or structures shall comply, in terms of height, with R 20.4.10.1
(v)
Home Occupations Only
Compliance with the performance standards of Rule 9.6.3.
(vi)
Cultural and Natural Heritage
Compliance with the rules of Section 17 - Cultural and Natural Heritage.
(vii) Hazardous Substances
Compliance with the rules of Section 14 - Hazardous Substances.
In determining what conditions if any to impose, Council will, in addition to the City View
objectives in section 2 and the Rural Zone objectives and policies, assess any application in
terms of the following further policies:

(i)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects of vehicle movements to and from the site on
the safe and efficient operation of the roading network.
(ii)
To ensure that adequate on-site parking and manoeuvring areas are provided and that
there is no overspill of parking onto adjoining roads.
R 9.7.2 Education and Early Childhood Facilities (excluding those prohibited
by R 9.11.1) where Access is not from a State Highway, Limited Access
Road, Old West Road or the Pahiatua Track
Education and Early Childhood Facilities where access is not from a State Highway,
Limited Access Road, Old West Road or the Pahiatua Track, and which comply with the
following Performance Standards, are Controlled Activities in Respect of:

The Safe and Efficient Operation of the Roading Network
Performance Standards
(i)
Height
(a)
All Buildings — maximum height of 9 metres; and
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan
May 2006
(b)
Any buildings or structures shall comply, in terms of height, with R 20.4.10.1
(ii)
Separation Distances
(i)
No building shall come within 6 m from a boundary of a site used for a residential or
rural residential purpose;
(ii)
No building shall come within 1.5 km from the location of a wind turbine on a site for
which a Wind Farm resource consent has been granted.
(iii)
(iii)
Screening
A solid fence of not less than 1.8 m in height or screen planting capable of growing to 1.8 m in
height shall be erected or planted on any boundary with a residentially used property.
(iv)
Parking and Access
Compliance with Rules:
20.3.7.1
20.3.7.2
20.3.7.6
20.3.7.7
20.3.8.1
20.3.9.1
(v)
Parking Spaces for People with Disabilities;
Parking Provision for All Zones Except the Inner Business Zone;
Car Park Landscape Design;
Formation of Parking Spaces;
Loading Space Standards;
Access Standards.
Cultural and Natural Heritage
Compliance with the rules of Section 17 - Cultural and Natural Heritage.
(vi)
Signs
Compliance with Rule 6.1.5.1.
(vii) Air Noise Control
Compliance with R 10.7.1.1(h).
[NOTE TO PLAN USERS:
Proposals that do not:
1.
Provide the required degree of noise reduction stated in the definitions of Schedules P,
Q and R; or
2.
Obtain certification from an acoustical consultant to provide alternative means of
construction to achieve the degree of noise reduction set out in the definitions of
Schedules P, Q and R;
- are provided for as a Non-Complying Activity under R 9.10.2].
In determining what conditions if any to impose, Council will, in addition to the City View
objectives in section 2 and the Rural Zone objectives and policies, assess any application in
terms of the following further policies:
(i)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects on the safe and efficient operation of the
roading network from the traffic movements generated by activities.
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan

May 2006
(ii)
To ensure the provision of adequate on-site parking, loading, access, and manoeuvring
space to avoid this taking place on roads.
(iii)
To take into account the particular safety requirements with regard to the use of parking
areas by young children.
R 9.7.3 Relocated Dwellings (excluding those prohibited by R 9.11.1)
Relocated Dwellings, which comply with the following Performance Standards, are a
Controlled Activity in Respect of:

External Appearance
Performance Standards
(i)
Compliance with the Performance Standards of Rule 9.6.5(a)-(g).
(ii)
Cultural and Natural Heritage
Compliance with the rules of Section 17 - Cultural and Natural Heritage.
(iii)
Air Noise Control
Compliance with R 10.7.1.1(h)
[NOTE TO PLAN USERS:
Proposals that do not:
1.
Provide the required degree of noise reduction stated in the definitions of Schedules P,
Q and R; or
2.
Obtain certification from an acoustical consultant to provide alternative means of
construction to achieve the degree of noise reduction set out in the definitions of
Schedules P, Q and R;
- are provided for as a Non-Complying Activity under R 9.10.2].
In determining what conditions, if any to impose, Council will, in addition to the City View
objectives in section 2 and the Rural Zone objectives and policies, assess any application in
terms of the following further policy:
(i)
To ensure that the external appearance and structural soundness of the building will not
have adverse environmental effects on the existing amenity values and ambience of the
surrounding area.
Non-Notification
Notice of applications for controlled activities (Rule 9.7.3) need not be served on any persons
who, in the Council’s opinion may be adversely affected by the activity.
NOTE TO PLAN USERS:
Pursuant to section 93(1) of the Resource Management Act 1991, applications for controlled
activities need not be publicly notified unless the applicant so requests (section 94C(1)) or
unless the Council considers that special circumstances exist and determines, in its discretion,
to notify the application (section 94C(2)). The non-notification provision relating to Rule 9.7.3
provides that notice of applications for controlled activities need not be served on any affected
parties (limited notification).
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Palmerston North City Council District Plan

May 2006
R 9.7.4 Dependent Dwelling Units (excluding those prohibited by R 9.11.1)
Dependent Dwelling Units, which comply with the following Performance Standards, are
a Controlled Activity in respect of:

External Appearance
Performance Standards
(i)
Number
There shall be only one dependent dwelling unit associated with any dwelling.
(ii)
Floor Area
The floor area of the dependent dwelling unit shall not exceed 100 m2.
(iii)
Duration
A dependent dwelling unit must be removed or integrated into the main building within six
months of occupation by the dependent person ceasing.
(iv)
Other
Compliance with the Performance Standards in Rule 9.6.5 (b)(i)(c), (c), (d), (e), and (g).
(v)
Air Noise Control
Compliance with R 10.7.1.1(h).
[NOTE TO PLAN USERS:
Proposals that do not:
1.
Provide the required degree of noise reduction stated in the definitions of Schedules P,
Q and R; or
2.
Obtain certification from an acoustical consultant to provide alternative means of
construction to achieve the degree of noise reduction set out in the definitions of
Schedules P, Q and R;
- are provided for as a Non-Complying Activity under R 9.10.2].
9-25
In determining what conditions if any to impose, Council will, in addition to the City View
objectives in section 2 and the Rural Zone objectives and policies, assess any application in
terms of the following further policy:
(i)

To ensure the location and appearance of the dependent dwelling unit is compatible
with the existing dwelling and surrounding area.
R 9.7.5 Expansion of Existing Industries
Expansion of Existing Industries, listed in Rule 9.6.6 which comply with the following
Performance Standards, is a Controlled Activity in respect of:

Site layout

The safe and efficient operation of the roading network.
Performance Standards
(i)
Compliance with the Performance Standards of Rule 9.6.6 (a) to (g).
(ii)
Screening
Any new building must be screened from any other property by a close boarded fence of not
less than 1.8 m in height or dense planting of trees capable of growing to 5 m in height. Any
such planting to be undertaken in the first growing season after the expansion has occurred.
(iii)
Hazardous Substances
Compliance with the provisions of Section 14 — Hazardous Substances
(iv)
Extent of Expansion
Expansion of buildings and yard areas shall be restricted to those sites as defined in Rule
9.6.6, and shall not exceed the following:
(a)
NZ Pharmaceuticals - all buildings shall be a minimum of 5 metres from an external
site boundary and must not exceed a height of 5 metres plus the shortest horizontal
distance to the nearest boundary, up to a maximum height of 20 metres
(b)
C-Dax Industries - site coverage should not exceed 5% of the gross site area and no
new building shall be located more than 20 m from an existing building.
(c)
G Blackley Ltd, Tiritea Sawmill, and Ashhurst Timber Co Ltd - expansion shall be
not more than double the building area or area of sealed yard which existed on 31 May
1995.
(d)
Any buildings and structures shall comply, in terms of height, with R 20.4.10.1.
In determining what conditions if any to impose, Council will, in addition to the City View
objectives in section 2 and the Rural Zone objectives and policies, assess any application in
terms of the following further policies.
(i)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects of additional traffic generated on the efficiency
of the roading network.
(ii)
To ensure adequate provision is made for parking, access and manoeuvring areas.
(iii)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects of the proposed expansion on the amenity
values and ambience of the surrounding rural environment.
Explanation
The industries detailed above have existed for many years and it is appropriate to allow them to
undertake some expansion of their present activities where the effects on adjoining activities can be
controlled. This should allow these businesses to continue to develop with a degree of certainty as to
their ability to expand, while ensuring that adverse environmental effects are mitigated or avoided.

R 9.7.6 Minor and Extended Temporary Military Training Activities which do
not comply with Performance Standards
Minor and Extended Temporary Military Training Activities which do not comply with
the Performance Standards of R 9.6.8 shall be Controlled Activities with regard to:

External appearance and amenity and/or character of the surrounding area

The safe and efficient operation of the roading network
In determining whether to grant consent and what conditions to impose, if any, the Council will
in addition to the City View objectives in section 2 and the Rural Zone objectives and policies,
assess any application in terms of the following further policies:
(a)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects of noise, hours of operation and other
environmental disturbance on surrounding rural and urban environments, particularly
residentially used properties.
(b)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the visual impact of any activities, and to preserve the
character and amenity of the rural environment.
(c)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects of the proposal on any Outstanding Natural
Feature and Landscapes, the Tararua Ranges Landscape Protection Area, area of
natural and/or cultural heritage value, or of particular significance to Tangata Whenua.
Explanation
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) may need to carry out temporary military training activities
which do not meet the performance standards for permitted activities. In this case, it is important to
ensure that any adverse effects of training activities on the environment are avoided, remedied or
mitigated.
Rules : Restricted Discretionary Activities
R 9.8.1 Dwellings and Accessory Buildings not complying with Permitted Activity Performance
Standards (excluding Performance Standards R 9.6.5 (b)(i)(c) and those prohibited by R
9.11.1;
Dwellings and Accessory Buildings not complying with Permitted Activity Performance
Standards in relation to:
(a)
Height
(b)
Separation Distances
are Restricted Discretionary Activities with regard to:

Design and Appearance

Site Layout

Effects on Adjoining Neighbours
In determining whether to grant consent and what conditions if any to impose, Council will, in
addition to the City View objectives in section 2 and the Rural Zone objectives and policies,
assess any application in terms of the following further policies.

(a)
To take into account the existence of any particular topographical or physical feature on
the site which makes compliance impracticable.
(b)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects on the visual amenity and ambience of
the surrounding environment.
(c)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the loss of sunlight, daylight or privacy to an adjoining site.
R 9.8.2 Home Occupations not complying with Permitted Activity
Performance Standards.
Home Occupations not complying with Permitted Activity Performance Standards are a
Restricted Discretionary Activity with regard to:


Effect on Adjoining Rural Environments
The Safe and Efficient Operation of the Roading Network
In determining whether to grant consent and what conditions if any to impose, Council will, in
addition to the City View objectives in section 2 and the Rural Zone objectives and policies,
assess any application in terms of the following further policies.
(a)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects of noise or other environmental disturbance on
the adjoining rural environment.
(b)
To ensure the design appearance and nature of the activity does not adversely affect
the ambience and amenity values of the adjoining rural area.

(c)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects on the safe and efficient operation of the
roading network from the traffic movements generated by activities.
(d)
To ensure the provision of adequate on-site parking, loading, manoeuvring and access
space to avoid this taking place on roads, and to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse
effects on the surrounding rural environment.
R 9.8.3 Roadside Stalls, Garden Centres and Nurseries, Education Facilities
and Early Childhood Facilities with access to a State Highway, Limited
Access Road, Old West Road or the Pahiatua Track.
Roadside Stalls, Garden Centres and Nurseries, Education Facilities and Early
Childhood Facilities with access to a State Highway with a maximum speed limit of up
to 70 km/h, Limited Access Road, Old West Road or the Pahiatua Track, which comply
with the following Performance Standards, are a Restricted Discretionary Activity with
regard to:

The Safe and Efficient Operation of the Roading Network
Performance Standards
(i)
Roadside Stalls, Garden Centres and Nurseries
Compliance with the Performance Standards of Rule 9.7.1.
(ii)
Education Facilities and Early Childhood Facilities
Compliance with the Performance Standards of Rule 9.7.2.
In determining whether to grant consent and what conditions if any to impose, Council will, in
addition to the City View objectives in section 2 and the Rural Zone objectives and policies,
assess any application in terms of the following further policies:

(a)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects on the safe and efficient operation of the
roading network from the traffic movements generated by activities.
(b)
To ensure the provision of adequate on-site parking, loading, manoeuvring and access
space to avoid this taking place on roads.
R 9.8.4 Domestic Wind Turbines
Domestic Wind Turbines are Restricted Discretionary Activities, with regard to:




On-Site Layout
Effects on Adjoining Neighbours
Landscape and Visual Effects
The Safe and Efficient Operation of the Roading Network
In determining whether to grant consent and what conditions if any to impose, Council will, in
addition to the City View objectives in section 2 and the Rural Zone objectives and policies,
assess any application in terms of the following further matters:
(a)
The extent to which a particular topographical or physical feature on the site, a
meteorological feature, or other factor makes compliance impracticable.
(b)
The extent to which the ambience and amenity values of adjacent properties and
residences will be adversely affected by the domestic wind turbine, in terms of any
visual domination, loss of access to sunlight and daylight, and the extent to which these
effects can be avoided, remedied or mitigated.
(c)
The extent to which the landscape and visual effects of the domestic wind turbine can
be mitigated by landscaping, planting or other forms of amenity treatments.
(d)
The extent of compliance with the District Plan Noise Standard (R 9.12.1 Noise); or in
the circumstance where the set noise levels are not able to be met, the extent of
compliance with the noise limits in the New Zealand Standards for Environmental Noise
(NZS 6801:1991, Measurement of Sound’ and NZS 6802:1991 ‘Assessment of
Environmental Sound’).
(e)
The extent to which shadow flicker effects, earthworks and other environmental
disturbance on the amenity of adjacent properties and residences and the surrounding
environment, can be avoided, remedied or mitigated.
(f)
(g)
The outcomes of any consultation with affected neighbours.
The extent to which any effects on the safe and the efficient functioning of the road
network, from blade glint and shadow flicker, can be avoided, remedied or mitigated.
(h)
The extent to which the domestic wind turbine will contribute to creating adverse
cumulative visual effects on the values and characteristics of Outstanding Natural
Features and Landscapes, in particular the Skyline of the Tararua Ranges, identified in
Map 9.2 Tararua Ranges Landscape Protection Area.
To recognise the positive benefits of the domestic renewable energy generation
activities in contributing to national renewable energy targets and mitigating the impacts
of climate change.
(i)
Explanation
Domestic wind turbines have the potential to produce a range of adverse effects depending on the
number and type of turbines proposed, the site context and activities in the surrounding environment. It
is therefore necessary to assess each application carefully to ensure effects can be avoided, remedied
or mitigated. A restricted discretionary consent process gives the Council the opportunity to assess
specific matters and impose conditions to avoid, remedy or mitigate effects. Mitigation measures for
domestic wind turbines may include consideration of alternative siting, design or colour of a wind
turbine(s).
This rule gives effect to section 7(j) of the RMA which requires Council to have particular regard to the
benefits derived from the use and development of renewable energy and the National Policy Statement
for Renewable Electricity Generation which directs that District Plans promote and enable the
development and operation of domestic-scale wind turbines.
In respect of these activities, it is noted that sound generated by the domestic wind turbine/s must
comply with the District Plan noise standards (R 9.12.1) at the boundary of the property. Where this
standard is not able to be met wind turbine noise will be measured in accordance with NZS 6801: 1991,
‘Measurement of Sound’ and NZS 6802:1991 ‘Assessment of Environmental Sound’.
9.9

Rules : Discretionary Activities
R 9.9.1 Intensive Farming, Veterinary Clinics and Animal Boarding
Establishments
Intensive Farming, Veterinary Clinics and Animal Boarding Establishments are
Discretionary Activities.
In determining whether to grant consent and what conditions if any to impose, Council will, in
addition to the City View objectives in section 2 and the Rural Zone objectives and policies,
assess any application in terms of the following further policies:
(a)
To ensure the activity and any building and structures are of a scale and intensity which
is in keeping with the character, amenity and ambience values of the existing rural
environment.
(b)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects caused by noise, hours of operation or
other environmental disturbance on the surrounding area, particularly residentially used
sites.
(c)
When assessing an application for the intensive farming of pigs as a Discretionary
Activity, Council shall have regard for the Code of Practice — Pig Farming, 2nd Edition
August 1993 (and subsequent updates).
(d)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects on the safe and efficient operation of
the roading network from the traffic movements generated by activities.
(e)
To ensure the provision of adequate on-site parking, loading, manoeuvring and access
space to avoid this taking place on roads.
Explanation
These categories of activities have the potential to produce a range of adverse effects and it is therefore
necessary to carefully examine the details of such proposals to ensure these effects can be avoided,
remedied or mitigated.
In respect of these activities, it should be noted that the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council may
have separate consent requirements.

R 9.9.2 Sawmills and Rural Industries
Sawmills andRural Industries are Discretionary Activities.
In determining whether to grant consent and what conditions if any to impose, Council will in
addition to the City View objectives in section 2 and the Rural Zone objectives and policies,
assess any application in terms of the following further policies:
(a)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse visual impacts of any proposed building, structure
or storage areas for products and waste, on the surrounding rural environment, and on
the landscape values of adjoining areas.
(b)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects of noise and other environmental disturbance,
on the amenity of the surrounding area.
(c)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the risk of contamination posed by hazardous substances.
(d)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects on the safe and efficient operation of
the roading network from the traffic movements generated by activities.
(e)
To ensure the provision of adequate on-site parking, loading, manoeuvring and access
space to avoid this taking place on roads.
Explanation
All industrial activities in the rural area, because of the lack of services, have the potential to create
adverse effects on the rural environment. Their usually, “one-off” location also increases their visual
impact as does outdoor storage of goods and waste. A Discretionary Activity consent process gives
Council the opportunity to assess any adverse effects and to ensure that those effects are avoided,
remedied or mitigated.
In respect of these activities, it should be noted that Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council may have
separate consent requirements.

R 9.9.3 Quarrying, Including the removal of sand, shingle, soil or other
material
Quarrying, including the removal of sand, shingle, soil or other material is a
Discretionary Activity.
In determining whether to grant consent and what conditions if any to impose, Council will, in
addition to the City View objectives in section 2 and the Rural Zone objectives and policies,
assess any application in terms of the following further policies:
(a)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects on the safe and efficient operation of
the roading network from the traffic movements generated by activities.
(b)
To ensure the provision of adequate on-site parking, loading, manoeuvring and access
space to avoid this taking place on roads.
(c)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects of noise, dust and other environmental
disturbances on the amenity values of the area, particularly on adjacent residential uses.
(d)
To require any proposed reinstatement works to return the land to its previous, or a
better state.
(e)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects of the proposal on any area of landscape,
environmental or cultural significance, or of particular significance to Tangata Whenua.
(f)
To ensure that the extraction of gravel has no adverse effects on the management of
the potential of the river and/or stream to flooding.
(g)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects on soil stability.
(h)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate any potential effects on water quality and river or stream
habitats if quarrying is undertaken near rivers or streams.
Explanation
Quarrying within the City frequently takes place at the interface of the land and a river. As such, this
area represents a delicate environmental area on which there is the potential for significant adverse
effects. Care needs to be exercised to ensure these and other effects such as noise can be mitigated
and that land is restored to a reasonable state at the end of operations.
In respect of these activities, it should be noted that the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council may
have separate consent requirements.

R 9.9.4 Community and Leisure Facilities and Tourist Facilities (excluding
those prohibited by R 9.11.1).
Community and Leisure Facilities and Tourist Facilities are Discretionary Activities.
In determining whether to grant consent and what conditions to impose, if any, Council will in
addition to the City View objectives in section 2 and the Rural Zone objectives and policies,
assess any application in terms of the following further policies:
(a)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects of noise, hours of operation and other
environmental disturbance on surrounding rural environments, particularly residentially
used properties.
(b)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects on the safe and efficient operation of
the roading network from the traffic movements generated by activities.
(c)
To ensure the provision of adequate on-site parking, loading, manoeuvring and access
space to avoid this taking place on roads.
(d)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the visual impact of any proposed buildings or structures
on the rural environment.
(e)
To ensure the design and appearance of any structure is in character with or
complementary to the ambience and amenity values of the rural environment.
(f)
To ensure that building construction is fitted with appropriate acoustic insulation to
achieve a satisfactory internal noise environment.
NOTE TO PLAN USERS:
Refer to Section 5.4 (j) - Information Requirements for Land Use Consents for additional
information to be provided when lodging an application for a resource consent in respect of
noise attenuation.
Explanation
Both these activities have the potential to cater for the recreation and leisure needs of the rural and
wider community, including visitors to the City. However their potentially diverse nature means they
must be carefully assessed to ensure that all adverse effects are avoided, remedied or mitigated.

R 9.9.5 Alterations and Additions to Existing Buildings in the Air Noise Zone
Identified on Map 10.7.6.3
Alterations and additions to any of the following buildings or activities on sites within
the Air Noise Zone identified on Map 10.7.6.3, provided that the building or activity was
lawfully established prior to 2 September 1998, are Discretionary Activities:











Dwellings;
Dependent Dwelling Units;
Education and Early Childhood Facilities;
Community Homes;
Accommodation Motels;
Motel Conference Centres;
Training Facilities;
Hospitals;
Retirement Villages;
Residential Centres;
Tourist Facilities; and

Any Other Existing Buildings used for Regular Accommodation and Communal
Activities
In determining whether to grant consent and what conditions to impose, if any, Council will in
addition to the City View objectives in section 2 and the objectives and policies of this Zone,
assess any application in terms of the following:
(i)
the objectives and policies relating to noise sensitive activities in the vicinity of
Palmerston North Airport set out in Section 9.3.
(ii)
Alterations and additions to existing dwellings or other noise sensitive activities shall
only be permitted if fitted with appropriate acoustic insulation to achieve a satisfactory
internal noise environment.
NOTE TO PLAN USERS:
refer to section 5.4 (j) – Special Requirements Relating to Applications for Building
Construction Where Noise Attenuation Standards Apply for additional information to be
provided when lodging an application for a resource consent in respect of noise attenuation.
R 9.9.6 Wind Farms
Wind Farms are Discretionary Activities.
Wind Farms under Rule 9.9.6 must comply with the following Performance Standards:
Performance Standards:
(i)
No Wind Farm and/or associated wind turbine shall be located within the ‘Tararua
Ranges Landscape Protection Area’ (Map 9.2).
(ii)
No Wind Farm or associated wind turbine shall come within 700 m of a boundary of an
adjacent property that is not part of the Wind Farm site.
In determining whether to grant consent and what conditions to impose, if any, Council will in
addition to the City View objectives in section 2 and the Rural Zone objectives and policies,
assess any application in terms of the following further matters:
(a)
The effects of noise and particularly the ability of the Wind Farm to comply with the
noise limits in New Zealand Wind Farm Noise Standard (NZS 6808:2010 Acoustics –
Wind Farm Noise), including the identification of times and circumstances when High
Amenity Area noise limits apply, with respect to times and Wind Farm wind speeds.
(b)
The ability to manage and control construction noise using the provisions of NZS 6803:
1999 Acoustics – Construction Noise.
(c)
The ability to control noise resulting from any on-site manufacture of concrete and any
quarrying by reference to the noise limits in R 9.12.1.
(d)
The provisions for safeguards and contingencies particularly concerning:
 The confirmation of the manufacturer’s noise emission levels for the actual
turbines to be used at the Wind Farm when these have been determined;

The early identification and remedy of any special audible characteristics
present when the wind turbines commence operation;

Changes to background sound levels that may occur between the time consent
is granted and when the Wind Farm is constructed;

Effective noise monitoring programmes to demonstrate compliance beyond the
commissioning stage;



Procedures for addressing turbine malfunctions;
Community liaison and methods for dealing with complaints;
Reporting these matters to Council.
(e)
Landscape and visual impacts, including the location, design, appearance and
concentration of structures on the values and characteristics of the ‘Tararua Ranges
Landscape Protection Area’ and views of the skyline, rural character and amenity values
and visibility from neighbouring residences and public places.
(f)
Cumulative effects with existing or consented wind farms (including a consideration of
the relationship between the various Wind Farms), in terms of landscape and visual
effects of additional turbines on views of the skyline landscape and potential for visual
saturation of the skyline landscape, with Wind Farm turbines extending across the full
extent of the Tararua Ranges.
(g)
Ecological impacts, particularly impacts on the Turitea Reserve and Arapuke Forest
Park, water bodies, impacts associated with native vegetation removal and impacts on
indigenous flora and fauna, avifauna, indigenous fauna and their habitats.
(h)
Impacts of earthworks and modifications of natural landforms, including impacts on
water quality and proposed remedial and mitigation measures.
(i)
Impacts on archaeological or heritage sites, features and items, or any sites of special
significance to tangata whenua.
(j)
Impacts on amenity values of the surrounding environment, including a consideration of
electromagnetic interference, vibration, aviation navigation lighting, and turbine shadow
glare or flicker.
(k)
Impacts on aviation, navigation and existing network utilities, including the City’s Water
Supply Infrastructure.
(l)
Traffic impacts (including construction and post-construction traffic) and impacts on the
road network, including the nature and extent of vehicle movements, access,
management and mitigation measures, safety and levels of service, and impacts
associated with traffic distraction.
(m)
The extent to which geotechnical hazard or other physical environmental factors are
addressed in the application, the measures employed to avoid, remedy or mitigate
geotechnical matters and land stability impacts of the proposal, and compliance with
best engineering and design practice and codes.
(n)
The contribution to achieving national, regional and local energy policy objectives and
renewable energy targets.
(o)
The positive effects of Wind Farm development.
NOTE TO PLAN USERS:
In submitting an application for resource consent the applicant will be required to undertake a full
assessment of environmental effects to address all of the resource management issues above.
Explanation
Wind Farms will be examined on a case-by-case basis due to the complexity of the assessments
involved and because of the discretions provided in the New Zealand Wind Farm Noise Standard (NZS
6808:2010) over when the 35 dB LA90 limit applies.
The adverse effects associated with noise and shadow flicker may not be able to be mitigated at a
distance of less than 700 m from the closest wind turbine to an adjoining site boundary. Where the 700
m separation distance cannot be met, a Non–Complying Activity consent will be required.
Wind Farm developments have the potential to trigger rural road upgrades to allow for construction and
the need for specific traffic management plans to mitigate safety and amenity risks associated with
construction traffic, for example, oversized vehicles transporting blades and nacelles to the site.
Specific approvals will be required from the Council, as the Road Controlling Authority, in relation to the
use of roads for oversize vehicles, determining safe access points to the site, and funding the upgrade
and maintenance of roads.
The Discretionary Activity status provides Council with the opportunity to take into account all of these
matters and fully assess any adverse effects and ensure that effects are avoided, remedied or mitigated.
In respect of this activity, it should be noted that Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council may have
separate consent requirements.
R 9.9.7 New Dwellings and Accessory Buildings, Dependent Dwelling Units,
Relocated Dwellings, Education and Early Childhood Facilities located
within 1.5 km of a wind turbine, which is part of an existing Wind Farm
New dwellings and accessory buildings, dependent dwelling units, relocated dwellings,
education and early childhood facilities located within 1.5 km of a wind turbine, which
is part of an existing Wind Farm, are Discretionary Activities.
In considering whether to grant the application and what conditions, if any, to impose, Council
shall take into account the objectives and policies of the Rural Zone, the New Zealand
Standards and the following further matters:
(a)
The extent to which the noise attenuation methods for the buildings will be effective in
terms of mitigating Wind Farm noise without compromising the overall health and
amenity of occupants using the building.
(b)
The extent to which any topographical or physical features of the site and surrounds and
any factor makes compliance with the 1.5 km building setback, inappropriate or
unreasonable.
(c)
Whether a no-complaints covenant has been entered into and registered on the
Certificate of Title.
(d)
The extent to which reverse sensitivity effects on the efficient and continued operation of
existing Wind Farms are avoided or mitigated.
Explanation
The separation distances are intended to ensure that residentially occupied buildings and education and
early childhood facilities, which are noise sensitive activities, are protected from Wind Farm noise and
other environmental disturbance, such as shadow flicker effects. The Discretionary Activity status
provides Council with the opportunity to take into account site-specific matters and unique
circumstances to ensure effects can be avoided, remedied or mitigated, and the avoidance of reverse
sensitivity effects for existing Wind Farms.
9.10
Rules : Non-Complying Activities

R 9.10.1 Other Activities
Any activity, structure or building not provided for as a Permitted, Controlled,
Restricted Discretionary Activity or Discretionary Activity or identified as a Prohibited
Activity shall be a Non-Complying Activity.

R 9.10.2 Non-Complying Activities in the Inner and Outer Control Zone
All activities in the Inner and Outer Control Zone that do not provide the required
degree of noise reduction or do not obtain certification by an acoustical consultant
shall be a Non-Complying Activity.
In considering whether to grant the application and what conditions, if any, to impose, Council
shall take into account the objectives and policies of the Rural Zone, and the following further
policies:
(a)
To take into account any circumstances that would make compliance with the noise
reduction standards in R10.7.1.1(h) inappropriate or unreasonable; and
(b)
To demonstrate that the level of noise reduction by the proposed development can be
less than the level required by R10.7.1.1(h) without compromising the overall health and
amenity of the occupants within the respective building.
NOTE TO PLAN USERS:
refer to section 5.4 (j) – Special Requirements Relating to Applications for Building
Construction Where Noise Attenuation Standards Apply for additional information to be
provided when lodging an application for a resource consent in respect of noise attenuation.
R 9.10.3 Wind Farms which do not comply with the Discretionary Activity
Performance Standards, are Non-Complying Activities.
In considering whether to grant the application and what conditions, if any, to impose, Council
shall take into account the objectives and policies of the Rural Zone, the New Zealand Wind
Farm Noise Standard (NZS 6808: 2010 Acoustics – Wind Farm Noise) and the One Plan,
Table F1, Schedule F.
Explanation
It is necessary that Council undertake a full and comprehensive effects assessment of a proposed Wind
Farm which is seeking to locate within, or partially within, the confines of the Tararua Ranges Landscape
Protection Area, as well as the consideration of impacts on surrounding properties and residences, to
ensure that the objectives and policies of the District Plan are not compromised, with respect to
achieving the sustainable management of the natural and physical resources of the Rural Zone.
The protection of Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes is required under Section 6 (a) and (b)
of the RMA. The attributes, characteristics and values of these Outstanding Natural Features and
Landscapes are of such significance to warrant Council to strictly control Wind Farm developments in
the TRLPA, hence the Non-Complying Activity status. This classification is consistent with the
landscape policy of the One Plan (Horizons Regional Council).
The tension between protecting the rural character and amenity values of residents who live, work and
farm in the Rural Zone, and realising the potential of the tararua Ranges as a wind energy resource,
also requires careful management to achieve sustainable management of the natural and physical
resources in the Rural Zone. The 700 m setback for wind turbines is a recognised buffer zone for Wind
Farms which interface an adjoining non-Wind Farm property and is based on expert advice. Within this
area there is the significant potential for turbines to generate adverse effects on the use of an adjoining
property and hence an application for a Wind Farm, seeking to establish wind turbines within the 700 m
setback area, will be assessed as a Non-Complying Activity.
9.11

Rules : Prohibited Activities
R 9.11.1 Prohibited Activities in the Air Noise Zone identified on Map
10.7.6.3
The following activities are Prohibited Activities in the Air Noise Zone identified on Map
10.7.6.3:
All new dwellings, new dependent dwelling units, new relocated houses, new education
and early childhood facilities, new community homes, new accommodation motels, new
motel conference centres, new training facilities, new hospitals, new retirement
villages, new residential centres, new tourist facilities and any other new buildings
used for regular accommodation and communal activities.
These activities are expressly prohibited and no resource consent shall be granted.
Explanation
The above-mentioned activities have been identified as being highly sensitive to the effects of excessive
noise exposure associated with aircraft operations.
The impact of aircraft noise has been assessed by New Zealand Standard 6805:1992 - Airport Noise
Management and Land Use Planning, which recommends as one of the criteria for land use planning
within any defined air noise boundary that noise sensitive activities, such as dwellings and schools, be
prohibited. The purpose of this rule is to give effect to this recommended standard”.
9.12
Rules : Noise

R 9.12.1 Noise
Sound emissions from any activity in the Rural Zone when measured at or within the
boundary of any land zoned for residential purposes or at or within the boundary of any
land in the Rural Zone (other than land from which the noise is emitted or a road) shall
not exceed the following:
7.00 am – 7.00 pm 50 dB LAeq (15mins)
7.00 pm to 10.00pm 45dB LAeq (15 mins)
10.00 pm – 7.00 am 40dB LAeq (15 mins)
Night-time Lmax 10.00pm – 7.00 am 70dBA Lmax
Explanation
Rural areas are in essence working environment within which there are pockets of residential activity.
The rules are intended to provide for normal agricultural activities while controlling noise from a range of
other activities which also exist in the rural area, eg home occupations. This control does not apply to
specific rural activities in rural areas which should be managed by applying the Section 16 requirements
of the RMA in the circumstances that they arise. Reference should be made to Section 6, Noise, for
those rural activities that are excluded from the above controls and for further general information on
noise.
MAP 9.2
TARARUA RANGES LANDSCAPE PROTECTION AREA:
THE SKYLINE OF THE TARARUA RANGES
THE MANAWATU GORGE
Appendix 9.1
Description of Outstanding Natural Feature and Landscapes within
Palmerston North City
Area
Name
ONFL 1
Skyline
of
the
Tararua Ranges
Map
Ref
Values and Characteristics
(ia) The series of highest ridges and
highest hilltops along the full extent of the
Tararua Ranges, including within the
Forest Parks
Characteristics and Values:
(i) Visual, natural and scenic characteristics of
the skyline of the Tararua Ranges, as defined
by the series of highest ridges and highest
hilltops along the full extent of the Tararua
Ranges, including the Skyline’s aesthetic
cohesion and continuity, its prominence
throughout much of the region and its
backdrop vista in contrast to the Region’s
plains
(ii) Importance to Tangata Whenua and
cultural values
(iii) Ecological values including values
associated with remnant and regenerating
indigenous vegetation
(iv) Historical values
(v) Recreational values.
ONFL 2
Manawatu Gorge
(j) Manawatu Gorge, from Ballance Bridge
to the confluence of the Pohangina and
Manawatu Rivers, including the adjacent
Scenic Reserve
Characteristics and Values:
(i) Visual
particularly
landscape
and scenic
provided by
characteristics,
its distinctive
(ii) Geological feature, provided by being the
only river in New Zealand to drain both east
and west of the main divide
(iii) Ecological significance, provided by its
regenerating indigenous vegetation and
remnant native shrubland
(iv) Scientific value, particularly for its geology.
Notes to Plan Users:
1. This Table is provided for Information Purposes Only. It replicates the information listed in
Schedule F, Table F1 of the One Plan (Horizon’s Regional Council).
2. One Plan Policy 7-7; Regionally Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes states:
The Natural Features and Landscape listed in Schedule F Table F1 must be recognised as
regionally outstanding and must be spatially defined in the review and development of district
plans. All subdivision, use and development directly affecting these areas must be managed in a
manner which:
(aa) avoids significant adverse cumulative effects on the characteristic and values of those
outstanding natural features and landscapes, and
(a) except as required under (aa), avoids adverse effects as far as reasonably practicable and
where avoidance is not reasonably practicable, remedies or mitigates adverse effects on the
characteristics and values of those outstanding natural features and landscapes.